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Tri Vuong returns for LEGO Ninjago Shatterspin. A young Garmadon travels to The Wyldness hoping to discover a cursed technic that he believes will save Ninjago. With a little guidance from his master, Chen, Garmadon sets out in search of the Forbidden Five of The Wolf Clan. Where Garmadon wants to go, one has ever returned. What secrets will he find there and what will we learn of Garmadon’s past?
- Writing and Pencils by Tri Vuong
- Inks by Riccardo Robaldo
- Colors by K.J. Diaz
- Letters by Pat Brosseau
- Published by Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics
A New Chapter In Ninjago Begins!
A young Garmadon journey’s into the Wyldness in search of The Forbidden Five and the infamous cursed technique. We open on Garmadon travel through a desert only to be ambushed by a giant scorpion, a chance to showcase the fighting prowess of Garmadon.
A quick flashback establishes the quest at hand. Garmadon refuses to learn anymore from Master Chen, as he now aids The Serpentine. Chen tries to sway Garmadon to reconsider, but the fiery resolve of his student can’t be swayed.
Master Chen offers a parting gift to his “best student” in the form of a map and key to seek out The Forbidden Five. Chen claims that they are the only way to save Ninjago from The Serpentine.
The History of Lego Explained!
The Yin and Yang of Brotherhood in Ninjago
Garmadon decides to seek them out but not before saying goodbye to his brother Wu. They have contrasting opinions on how to save Ninjago. Wu believes in working together and having faith in those that fight beside you. Garmadon seeks greater power, leaving nothing to chance. They part on good terms, but Wu reminds Garmadon of their father’s lessons, and that he must have faith in himself above any other kind of power.
From here on Garmadon enters the portal to the Wyldness where he encounters the Shadow Dojo and rings the Gong of Shattering. This awakes an ancient power that forces Garmadon to see the ancient evil he has unleashed on the realms, leaving him in a vulnerable state.
Building Garmadon in LEGO Ninjago Shatterspin
Tri Vuong does an excellent job of giving us all of the pieces to the Garmadon personality puzzle in this issue. He is stubborn and fiercely steadfast. Once he has his mind made up, there’s no changing it. Unfortunately for him, most of his decisions are rooted in faulty thinking. He believes in solving his problems with power as opposed to leaning on others for help or believing he is good enough. The scene with his brother was a fantastic way to map this all out. We know how skillful Garmadon is, but now we see his flaws and weaknesses.
Building The Physical World of LEGO Ninjago Shatterspin
The art work in this issue is so dynamic. Considering these are LEGO minifigures, they still give off so many emotions and the way they move in action is amazing considering the restrictions. Garmadon’s fight with the giant scorpion was so fluid and impactful.
The design on the Wyldness is also a great adventure. From the water portal, to the creepy wolf statues, to the haunted forest designs, it all creates a really mystical environment. The Shadow Dojo scene absolutely immerses the reader in the story. I found myself deep into the story at this point and then we get a full page of Garmadon seeing fragments of the history of the world he’s in.
Everything Points to 9/10
Tri Vuong is an excellent story teller whether it be with words or with pictures. Making LEGO seem emotionally deep and dramatic can be a challenge without sound and acting, but he finds a way to bring you into the fold. It’s also not all serious and gritty. There are few light moments that made me laugh out loud, seamlessly woven into the story. Tri walked you carefully through the first half of the book, but has you running with joy in the second half. This one is worth checking out for fans of good storytelling. For more info on this story and Tri Vuong, be sure to check out our interview below!
